Essential kitchen countertop accessories for a contemporary or modern kitchen

Outfitting a kitchen after a brand new kitchen install is a project in itself. Whether this level of detail is included in a designer’s scope of work or not, (it is never included as part of any kitchen supplier’s design or fees) I always aim to provide recommendations for the key countertop accessories because they’re critical to the success of the new aesthetic and function. It saddens me to see a newly renovated kitchen loaded up with random and often unattractive 'stuff' after enormous amounts of money and months or years of planning were invested in the new kitchen build-out and details.

Getting kitchen countertop items and accessories wrong can significantly spoil the impact of the brand new kitchen space you just invested in. Getting them right enhances everything in the space and elevates the kitchen design.

When it comes to deciding what items will live on your counter, as a rule of thumb if you use it daily, especially multiple times a day - its a countertop essential. Use it once a week or less, also, could be a countertop mainstay. Everything else - plan to store within a cabinet/pantry or purge it. If you have many small appliances you use daily (or ones that are too awkward to stow away), I highly recommend incorporating easy access appliance storage such as*; countertop cabinets with retracting doors, full extension roll-out shelves, magic corners, or hydraulic lift shelves. Otherwise you risk your kitchen looking like an appliance store display. (*most of these can be added to existing kitchens too)

Because I find myself recommending the same countertop items over and over again, I’ve began compiling round-ups, like this one, on our Amazon storefront. What I love about the storefront platform is it allows us to create a collection of items for any project or product category which saves the product image and specifications with their individual links ALL IN ONE PLACE. Once, and done! I can also see at a glance if the item is no longer available so we can update the link. Its a HUGE time saver on our end and a freely available page for clients and anyone who follows us. I know personally how Amazon is a primary shopping source for clients especially for those in rural areas - where many independent and brand retailers won’t deliver. Whether you order from there or not the key benefit this will provide you with the exact product info and pricing to go purchase elsewhere if you prefer.

1. Espresso Maker / 2. Pour-over Coffee and tea Kettle / 3. Carbonator / 4. Electric kettle / 5. Butter crock / 6. French butter crock / 7. Salt & Pepper mills / 8. Salt cellar / 9. Truffle Oil / 10. Wood utensils / 11. Utensil holder / 12. Premium Olive Oil / 13. Round Wood tray / 14. Cutting Board / 15. Toaster

All of the above items along with more options can be viewed on this list titled

Kitchen Countertop Essentials - Contemporary.

CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN STYLE:

For contemporary and modern kitchens I recommend countertop appliances and accessories in blacks, greys, white, stainless, brass, stone and natural wood., and don’t typically stray from this unless there is a particular colour in the kitchen’s palette that would work as an accent. Wood items add a warmth to painted kitchens and stone counters. Natural and neutral colours won’t become a visual distraction with your kitchen scheme.

This  round-up doesn’t represent the full scope of essential accessories but just some of the most key pieces that you can easily find on Amazon or any homewares store.  We’ll be sharing more product round-ups on our newly updated The Design Shop website going forward to compliment the virtual design packages. And including other sources and favourite products beyond Amazon.

It can feel overwhelming thinking all your kitchen things need replacing, prioritize the countertop items first, then move on to updating things within the cabinets and drawers beginning with most often used; ie; dishware, cookware etc. Once you begin, the choices narrow and selections become simpler.